FAQ

Attorney-at-law Ilse Kaarnavaara (formerly Lehtimaja) worked at Asianajotoimisto Asianaiset from 2011 to 2026 and was a partner there from 2018 to 2026. In 2026 she founded Asianajotoimisto Lady Lex Oy, where she handles the same types of matters as she did previously at Asianaiset. About the attorney →

You can reach out by phone, email, or through the contact form. The first discussion is free of charge. We assess your situation, outline possible next steps, and discuss pricing — without any commitment on your part.

Billing is based on time spent. The hourly rate depends on the nature and complexity of the matter and ranges from €288.65 to €338.85 per started hour (including VAT at 25.5%). The hourly rate excluding VAT is €230–€270. Please see our price list for our most common billing terms.

You may qualify for legal aid paid by the state, either at 100% coverage or with a deductible, if your monthly disposable income falls below the defined thresholds. As a private attorney, I can receive a legal aid appointment only for matters that are under police investigation or pending before the court (in mediation or litigation). I will help determine whether you qualify for legal aid and, if so, assist with the application.

Right to Court-Appointed Counsel Regardless of Income

The legislature has determined that for certain offenses and related circumstances, you have the right to counsel paid by the state regardless of income. For victims, this includes sexual offenses. It also applies to various assault and liberty-related crimes (such as unlawful threats) when the perpetrator is a close person.

If you are a suspect in a criminal case, you have the right to defense counsel paid by the state, for example, when the offense you are suspected of carries a maximum penalty of more than 4 months' imprisonment, or if you are under arrest or in custody, or if you are a minor.

In Finland, a divorce is granted upon application. The application is filed with the district court and generally results in a 6-month reconsideration period, after which a second application must be filed for the divorce to be granted. If the second application is not filed in time, the divorce case lapses and the marriage remains in force.

If the case involves issues concerning the child's residence, visitation rights, custody, or child support, these can be handled by the court as ancillary matters to the divorce. They can also be resolved outside of court. Such agreements can be confirmed by a child welfare supervisor.

The division of marital property under the marital rights system is handled outside of court (estate division). As a general rule, the parties may agree on the division as they wish. If no agreement is reached — even with the assistance of attorneys — a court-appointed estate divider can be requested to carry out the division. The estate divider acts in a judicial capacity. The estate divider also resolves disputes related to the separation of property and compensation claims in cohabiting relationships when the Cohabitation Act applies. This is determined by the length of the cohabitation and whether the couple has joint children.

The guiding principle is always the best interests of the child. Custody refers to the exercise of decision-making authority in matters concerning the child's legal, financial, and personal affairs. It is not the same as parenthood or what is commonly referred to as "physical custody." Joint custody is the starting point unless it would be contrary to the child's best interests. This requires the parents to maintain open communication and the ability to make decisions about the child together despite disagreements.

The child's residence and visitation schedule are primarily resolved by agreement. If the parents cannot reach a common understanding on which parent the child should primarily live with and the extent of time spent with each parent, the district court will make the final decision.

Safety is the top priority. In an emergency, call 112. Seek shelter at a safe house if needed. Every situation is different, and the required legal measures are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact me — the initial consultation is free of charge. You can describe your situation and receive prompt guidance on how to proceed in a challenging situation.